Crime Gun Intelligence Center opens in Northeast Ohio

Gun crimes like the recent homicides in Youngstown prompted U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to visit Northeast Ohio Tuesday.

Garland was in Cleveland to announce a new regional hub for law enforcement to help track and solve crimes involving guns. The new center is called the Northeast Ohio Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC).

"CGICs like this one are law enforcement hubs that focus exclusively on investigating and preventing gun violence," Garland said. "Through enhanced collaboration and advanced technology, CGICs help investigators generate leads to get shooters off the streets."

The facility uses data to track and trace illegal firearms and dismantle gun trafficking networks to bring violent offenders to justice quickly and efficiently.

"We also have criminal analysts who can take data and compile evidence into actual intelligence that investigators can use to further an investigation," BCI Superintendent Bruce Pijanowski said. "They also create links between cases so that you're going after the prolific shooters."

Despite the center being located in Cleveland, the resources it offers will be available to law enforcement agencies in the Mahoning Valley.

"This is a great example of a regional model," ATF Director Steven Dettelbach said. "Different places need different regional touches. Getting evidence from point A to point B, that's what this center is about."